5H - IAM SAIGON — Hotel in Ho Chi Minh City

As someone who works in the hospitality industry, I must say I was very disappointed with the hotel’s guest service process. From both a professional and personal perspective, the experience my family and I had during our stay was truly unpleasant.

I planned to book two rooms for two nights (Sunday and Monday) and communicated in detail with the reservation staff since I would be arriving for a late check-in at 5:00 PM. To secure the booking, I completed a deposit payment for both rooms for the first night. The reservation staff informed me that because the hotel has no elevator, they would arrange two rooms on the first floor, and I agreed.

However, upon arrival, the front desk staff informed me that the first-floor rooms were under renovation and that only one room was available. Since my family wanted to stay close together, we decided to move to the second floor. What disappointed me most was that, even though I made my booking two days in advance, no one informed me beforehand about the renovation. I only found out upon check-in.

Even more frustratingly, the front desk staff didn’t seem to know that my booking had been confirmed. About an hour after check-in, when my family left the room to go out, I overheard a staff member in the gym telling the receptionist to “collect payment from that guest.” This was very upsetting, as I had already paid the deposit and received confirmation from the reservation team. When I explained this to the receptionist, he said he didn’t know who I had been communicating with and asked me to show proof of payment again.

At that moment, I decided that my family would stay only one night and check out early the next day. I honestly don’t understand how such a poor experience could happen when I had followed every instruction and completed every requirement in advance.

I initially chose this hotel because of its positive reviews and appealing photos online, but after this stay, I’ve realized that the reality was far from what I expected. Unfortunately, it was one of the most disappointing hotel experiences I’ve ever had.

Pros: • The hotel is located in a small alley, quite isolated from the main streets, which provides a peaceful and quiet environment. It’s ideal for those who want to stay away from the hustle and bustle of the city to focus on studying, working, or simply relaxing. • The property gives a home-like feeling. Guests are provided with a key card to enter the hotel freely without needing staff to open the gate, which adds a sense of privacy and convenience.

Cons: • The room rates are relatively high compared to the average market price. • The swimming pool is designed like a private pool but is advertised as a public one, which feels a bit misleading. • There is no TV in the room. • The shower area is very small and uncomfortable, especially for taller guests (above 1.7 meters).

Although I was initially very fond of this hotel based on its photos and the many positive Google reviews, my actual experience was quite the opposite. After the unpleasant incident, the hotel did reach out to apologize and offered me a 30% discount for the following night. However, at that point, money was not what could make my family’s trip any better. That’s why I decided to write this review — to share my experience so that future travelers, especially those planning family trips, can take it into consideration...

If you’ve been searching for an apartment/ house/ homestay/ or Airbnb here in Ho Chi Minh, you will understand the frustrations. By chance I stubbled across a Facebook ad for iamsaigon. My initial thoughts were this place seem too good to be true. Every location I’ve previously viewed never matched the photos, or the photos displayed in the ad is not the price displayed. This can be very discouraging and frustrating especially for a foreigner looking to settle in. This was not the case for iamsaigon. The pictures are true to what is displayed.

If you are looking for an “zen” environment, look no further. iamsaigon is where you will want to settle in. This hidden gem, tucked away in its own oasis, is the perfect escape from the chaos of Ho Chi Minh. Am I correct to say there’s no better feeling than returning home after a long day’s work?

Kim, her husband, and amazing staff have created such a safe, and clean environment that you can appreciate and look forward to enjoying after a long day or just being out in the intense Saigon heat and traffic. Taking your stay at iamsaigon, whether it be short term stay or long term apartment lease, Kim and her husband has gone above and beyond with establishing a “family/ tight-knit community” sense of comfort. Every morning I am greeted with friendly smiles and “Xin Chao” from Kim and her husband personally and their amazing staff. You’ve probably seen many adjectives or colorful reviews online, but trust me when I say the staff here are absolutely stellar. Some of the greatest and kindest people I’ve met ever.

The compound has been designed with modern living standards, with a touch of traditional Vietnamese culture. Being a creative content creator, I appreciate all the small subtle touches Kim and her husband has done to design this amazing oasis. They’re small and hidden little gems but greatly appreciated when you notice them. It really makes you appreciate the heart and passion Kim and husband has put into this environment. I love waking up in the early mornings to the beautiful singing of the many bird cages spread all around the poolside courtyard. The hidden fish ponds that blend into the architecture. You really have to look twice before realizing it’s actually a fish pond!I instantly fell in love with the small stacked pile of old weathered piggy banks quietly tucked by the alter. Or the wall that is completely compiled from old window shutters.

Every morning is a constant stressful rush for most. Kim and her staff kindly combat this by starting your morning rush with free organic Vietnamese coffee. Served with a beautiful smile from the lovely staff. If you are new to Saigon and don’t know where to venture, Kim and company are super eager to strut their knowledge and kindness with many suggestions you with your adventure out into this concrete jungle known as Saigon. Collected from personal experience, Kim and her husband have a binder that details many great eats close by. Don’t feel like wandering out during the blazing heat? No problem, the lovely staff has you covered by offering a select menu from the kitchen downstairs. I know there are many great places to choose from here in Saigon, but if you looking for a “home away from home”… Trust me when I say iamsaigon is where you...

This is a wonderful place to stay and if you could experience it for yourself, I am sure you won't regret it. Hidden away in the Binh Thanh district of Sai Gon is a truly peaceful homestay which is hosted by a lovely, friendly couple that do their utmost to help you enjoy and cherish the daily life in this bustling city. The beautiful staff that help them will always greet you with a smile no matter how busy they are, which might seem trivial, but it is nice, and you can't help but greet them and smile in return. What could be nicer than staying in a place where people are smiling and friendly all the time?

A traditional Vietnamese breakfast is lovingly prepared and served every morning, and the presentation and quality is just amazing. Gourmet-style street food served every day with your choice of beverage, cà phê sữa đá is the only logical choice in my opinion, is a great way to start the day! The menu is different every day and I take great pleasure in sitting and waiting to see what is on the menu for that day. The simple things in life are often the best.

I had originally just planned to stay here for 2 weeks. I had been moving around Sai Gon, staying in different districts for 2 weeks at a time to enjoy different aspects of life in the city. But then I got here, and after 2 weeks it felt really comfortable, so I decided to stay for another 2 weeks. The more I stayed, the more it felt like home, and so 2 weeks has turned into 2 months. The next time I am back in Sai Gon, I will be back here again because it is just so much nicer than staying in a hotel or traditional serviced apartment.

When the front door closes behind you and shuts out the busy city, how's...